🏍️ Dale's Hoka Hey Challenge

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

Rider #1218

Riding over 11,000 miles across North America to help send children battling cancer to Camp Golden Wing.

Why I'm Riding

People often ask why anyone would choose to ride more than 11,000 miles across North America through heat, rain, exhaustion, and uncertainty. The answer is simple: because this ride is about something much bigger than me.

For years, I've watched my daughter pour her heart into giving children battling cancer a place where they can forget about hospitals, treatments, and diagnoses—even if it's just for one incredible week. When she and an amazing group of volunteers founded Camp Golden Wing, I saw firsthand the love, dedication, and countless hours it takes to create a camp where every child is celebrated, every family is supported, and every camper gets to just be a kid.

That's why I'm riding.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is one of the toughest endurance rides in the world, but the children of Camp Golden Wing face challenges far greater than anything I'll experience on the road. Their courage reminds me that perseverance has purpose, and every mile I ride is dedicated to them.

Camp Golden Wing is completely free for the families it serves. That means every camper attends because of the generosity of people who believe every child deserves joy, adventure, friendship, and hope—regardless of the battle they're fighting.

My goal is to turn every mile into an opportunity to make a difference. Whether you choose to donate, share this page, or simply cheer me on from afar, you're becoming part of this journey and helping send children with cancer to a place where they can simply be kids.

Thank you for believing in this mission, for supporting Camp Golden Wing, and for riding alongside me in spirit.

Follow the Ride

During the Hoka Hey Challenge I'll be sharing updates from the road.

Daily mileage
Photos
Stories
Challenges
Milestones

You can track my ride in real time! Click Fleet Tracking Link and enter 1218 in the search bar and clicking 1218 - Dale L.

You can also read more about the Hoka Hey Challenge HERE.

About Camp Golden Wing

Camp Golden Wing is a nonprofit summer camp created exclusively for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. For one unforgettable week each summer, these incredible kids get to trade hospital rooms for campfires, IV poles for fishing poles, and treatment schedules for adventures with friends who truly understand what they've been through.

At Camp Golden Wing, every camper is surrounded by a team of dedicated medical professionals and volunteers, allowing them to safely enjoy swimming, games, crafts, music, zip lines, campfires, and countless moments of laughter. Most importantly, they get the chance to simply be kids.

Camp is provided completely free of charge to every family. From lodging and meals to activities and around-the-clock medical care, every aspect of camp is made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who believe these children deserve an unforgettable experience.

When you support this fundraiser, you're helping create a place where courage is celebrated, friendships are formed, confidence is restored, and lifelong memories are made.

Your generosity helps ensure that no child misses the opportunity to experience the magic of Camp Golden Wing because of financial circumstances.

Together, we're giving children with cancer more than a week at camp—we're giving them hope, belonging, and the freedom soar.

Learn More about Camp Golden Wing

About Dale

My love for motorcycles began in northern Indiana when I was just 15 years old. Before long, I was competing in flat track racing, a passion I pursued for five years before it was time to settle into what my parents would have called a "real job."

That real job became a rewarding 28-year career in law enforcement as a police officer. After retiring, I had the opportunity to spend several years overseas training police officers, sharing the knowledge and experience I had gained throughout my career.

Even while serving in law enforcement, my passion for motorcycles never faded. In the mid-1990s, I discovered long-distance motorcycle riding, and it quickly became more than a hobby—it became a way of life. Over the years, I've completed the SCMA Four Corners Tour twice—once clockwise and once counterclockwise—along with numerous Iron Butt rides. One of my favorite adventures was riding from Key West, Florida, to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with a close friend. In 2017, I achieved one of my biggest riding goals by completing the prestigious Iron Butt Rally.

For years, I followed the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from afar, dreaming that one day I'd have the opportunity to take part. That dream became a reality in 2024 when I was selected to ride.

At the starting line, I met fellow rider Kelly Swihart (#1141), and we began the challenge together. After reaching Key West during the hurricane, we teamed up with another rider, Gonen Minuskin (#1200). The three of us completed the remainder of the Hoka Hey together, sharing unforgettable experiences, overcoming countless challenges, and building friendships that will last a lifetime.

I'm honored to have been selected once again for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. While the adventure itself is something I look forward to, what makes this ride truly special is that it has a purpose beyond the miles.

This year, I'm dedicating my ride to Camp Golden Wing, a nonprofit that provides a free summer camp experience for children battling cancer. If these incredible kids can face their toughest days with courage and determination, then I can certainly face whatever the road has in store. Every mile I ride is for them.

Thank you for following my journey, supporting Camp Golden Wing, and being part of this incredible adventure. I hope you'll ride along with me as we turn Miles of Grit into Wings of Hope.

Let's Do This

HOKA HEY UPDATE- Day 1

The Challenge has begun! Dad left Woodstock, Illinois, at 6:00am this morning to begin the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

His first checkpoint is a whopping 2,770 miles away!

That should give you an idea of just how challenging this ride will be!

Ride safe, Dad! We’ll be cheering for Rider #1218 every mile of the way.

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope.

DAY ONE UPDATE

Dale covered about 900 miles before stopping in Michigan for 4½ hours of sleep. One of the Hoka Hey rules is that riders must sleep outside beside their motorcycles—no hotels allowed! So this cot next to his bike was home for the night.

He was back up and on the road by 4:00 a.m., facing a chilly 49° in Upper Michigan. Nothing says “vacation” like a roadside cot, four hours of sleep, and a cold motorcycle ride before sunrise!

Rider #1218 is officially 900 miles into the adventure! Please help us turn Dad’s miles into support for Camp Golden Wing by donating, sharing this post, or cheering him on in the comments. Every bit of engagement helps us spread the word!

Miles of Grit. Wings of Hope